JR Cook bowie knife commemorates historical journey

HTMD

HTMD

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Feb 15, 2002
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JR is always thinking and it comes out in his knives.

Arkansas Living Treasure and ABS Mastersmith, JR Cook made this one for the ABS forged blade expo in San Antonio Texas (Remember the Alamo!), reminding us that the American "bowie knife" concept originated in Arkansas - then traveled to Mississippi where it met with local fame as an instrument of death in a matter of pride, spawning a powerful legend that lives on. The Bowie knife subsequently gained iconic status after its trail lead to Texas and the Alamo fort where it presided over an epic scene of desperation and death. Books and movies followed...

It's that historical 'journey' JR aims to re-trace in making this beautiful bowie style knife and traveling with it from Arkansas to Texas for the show. "JR," I said, "do you intend to stop at every road house and whore bar along the way, just like Jim Bowie did?" Actually I didn't ask him that... but I wanted to. Here's the knife:

orig.jpg


Blade is 10 inches, handle is 5 inches. Handle material is a terrific chunk of fossil ivory fully carved by JR in the form of a pleasing deep-relief leaf pattern. JR forged the visually compelling feather damascus blade and etched it with state shapes and emblems including an anvil and the Alamo. This is the first in his 2012 Arkansas Living Treasure series, marked ALT 1.
 
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I really like the carving on the ivory, very tastefully done. Great intro, by the way, Buddy
 
Buddy,

That is a beautiful knife. The carved Ivory handle is great.

JR just continues to produce spectacular knives.

Jim Treacy
 
I think JR is making some awesome knives and this is no exception. What a great looking Bowie, a real man's knife. His carving is superb and that ivory is ideal for it. Great photo as well.

Thanks for sharing, Jon
 
Big fan of the maker and the knives and there's so much to like here. The big bold blade profile, the big bold damscus pattern and the niely carved carved handle all really work for me. My personal preference would have been for a slightly less delicate-looking guard on this particular knife.

I like the theme very much and think JR did an excellent job of realizing it in steel.

Terrific photo and write-up Buddy!

Roger
 
Beautiful piece to say the least!

Are the anvil, state outlines, etc done in a precious metal inlay, or is that forged into the steel?

Impressive skill displayed here.

Brian
 
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